Research has shown that some people can develop a type of behavioural addiction to video games. This condition shares similarities with other addictions, such as gambling and substance abuse, in terms of its symptoms and effects on the individual. Fortunately, a wide range of treatments can be used to help people overcome the condition.
What Is Gaming Addiction
Gaming is growing rapidly and is increasingly seen as a serious problem. People can show various symptoms related to their gaming habits, and these symptoms can greatly impact their daily lives. In the past, problematic gaming was viewed as just unusual behaviour, not a real illness. However, due to its potential harm, the World Health Organization (WHO) has now officially recognized gaming disorder as a mental health issue.
This disorder is marked by a consistent pattern of gaming that leads to compulsive gaming behaviour. Such behaviours often cause gaming to take priority over everything else, including schoolwork and personal hobbies. In addition, problematic gaming can continue or worsen, even when it negatively affects family relationships, education, and social life.
Gaming Addiction Treatment In Thailand
Treatment for video game addiction is similar to how other conditions, like substance use disorder, are treated. The main methods for helping people with this condition are behavioural modifications using various psychotherapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) remains a gold standard treatment for gaming addiction. CBT helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that trigger their problematic gaming habits. This therapy allows people to develop better coping skills and manage their behaviours more effectively.
In cases where people with this condition also struggle with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, medications such as antidepressants can help manage the symptoms. These medications can stabilize mood and lessen symptoms that lead to excessive gaming, which could support a more balanced recovery. In addition, residential or inpatient treatment may also be recommended if the condition requires a type of care with a structured environment and round-the-clock support, which is essential for severe cases. By integrating these methods, treatment for gaming addiction can effectively tackle the different facets of the disorder. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the individual’s needs are addressed.
Why Choose Orchid For The Gaming Addiction Treatment
Although there are numerous local rehabilitation options available, there are several compelling reasons to consider treatment at Orchid as a superior choice. Some of these include:
Evidence-Based Therapies
Evidence-based therapies for addiction and mental health conditions include approaches that are supported by empirical research and clinical practice. At Orchid, we specifically use techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), among others.
Comprehensive and Individualized Care
We are dedicated to delivering thorough and personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our treatment method encompasses a range of therapies designed to help you deal with substance use problems and any co-occurring mental health disorders, thereby ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to recovery.
Highly Skilled Staff
Our team includes skilled professionals like nurses, medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and support staff. They are equipped with advanced skills in helping people overcome addiction and mental health conditions. They keep themselves updated on the current trends in their respective fields to ensure that all of our patients receive the best care.
Amenities For Safety and Convenience
The Orchid stands out because of its high-quality amenities that enhance our patients’ recovery. Our centre offers private rooms to make their treatment safe and comfortable. In addition, patients can join different recreational activities designed to promote both physical and mental health during their recovery.
Residential Treatment With Aftercare Services
We understand that addressing addiction requires more than just a residential treatment program. Hence, we offer an aftercare program designed to help prevent relapse. Our commitment to our client’s well-being extends beyond their stay with us as we strive to assist them in achieving enduring success in their recovery journey.
Family Involvement In The Treatment
The family plays an important role in recovering from mental health problems or addiction. These conditions affect not just the individual but also their family and friends. To support our clients effectively, we include their families in the treatment. A therapist runs a family therapy program that brings clients together with their loved ones.
Substance Addiction Treatment
The Orchid also provides a comprehensive treatment plan for substance addiction treatment, which includes:
Residential Treatment
Individuals experiencing PTSD require comprehensive and personalised care that takes into account their unique needs and preferences. This condition typically does not resolve without intervention. Our approaches to treating PTSD may involve therapy and/or medications aimed at alleviating anxiety, mood disturbances, sleep difficulties, and other related symptoms.
Detox
Detox is the way to clear a certain substance from your body. When someone is physically dependent on a substance, their body thinks it needs that substance to function. If you try to cut back on it, you might experience strong withdrawal symptoms. Detox is the initial phase and one of the most crucial stages in treating people with substance use disorder.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping clients set goals and work together with the therapist to overcome their ambivalent feelings about substance use.
Causes Of Gaming Addiction
The exact causes behind gaming addiction remain unknown. However, similar to other types of addiction, it is likely that a range of complex factors contribute to its development.
Psychological Factors
Your distinct personality characteristics can significantly impact your susceptibility to gaming addiction. Traits like impulsivity, a desire for new experiences, and a willingness to take risks can all play a role in the development of addictive behaviours. If you exhibit a high level of impulsiveness, maintaining self-control over your gaming activities may be difficult.Those who are naturally inclined to pursue thrilling and novel experiences often find themselves attracted to the immersive nature of gaming. This combination of traits, along with the immediate gratification that gaming offers, creates a compelling environment that can enhance the risk of developing an addiction to games.
Environmental Factors
The widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and computers has made gaming more accessible than ever. This means you can play games anytime and anywhere. The constant availability of gaming can lead to addictive behaviours. With so many options always at hand, it becomes difficult to resist the pull of gaming addiction. Video games provide a way to escape from reality, letting players or gamers dive into worlds where they can forget their real-life worries for a while. Studies show that this escape can cause some people to depend on gaming as an unhealthy way to cope.
Co-Occurring Conditions
In certain cases, gaming addiction may conceal deeper mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or even attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you are struggling with these challenges, the instant gratification provided by video games can inadvertently attract you. Generally, these conditions can contribute to the development of a gaming addiction.
Ways To Gradually Decrease Gaming Habit
Treatment methods should be customized for each person. This requires knowing their unique motivations, situations, and key symptoms related to gaming addiction. It’s important to identify any underlying issues that might lead to problem gaming. Getting help from experts and professionals is vital for supporting those people with this addiction. Here are some common practical tips to help gradually decrease unhealthy gaming:
Recognize Your Problem Gaming
Individuals struggling with gaming addiction often fail to acknowledge the severity of their gaming habits. What usually begins as casual gaming can gradually evolve into compulsive behaviour. Over time, this can result in significant lifestyle changes and addiction. Recognizing and comprehending the existence of a problem is essential for recovery.
Set A Time For Gaming
Experts believe there should be a daily limit on screen and gaming time. With many devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, it’s easy to spend too much time on screens. If there are worries about gaming time, it’s best to limit it to 30 minutes to one hour each day. This helps ensure that gaming doesn’t interfere with personal responsibilities.
To help manage this time, using an alarm or keeping a log can be useful. Some may find it hard to stick to this at first, so they might need to try other activities to keep their focus while they adjust.
Share Your Concerns With Family
Notify your family and friends about your worries about excessive gaming and your plan to cut back on your gaming hours. Communicating your objectives is essential, as it allows your loved ones to provide the necessary support in your efforts. If discussing this feels too personal, you could alternatively mention your interest in participating in more social activities. Organize chances to connect with friends, such as going for hikes, biking, or attending school events.
Seek Professional Consultation
To overcome gaming addiction and avoid falling back into old habits, the best approach is to get professional help early on. While cutting back on gaming, exploring other activities, and talking about your challenges with family and friends are important, a professional can offer the right treatment, support, and strategies to help you recover. Remember, asking for help shows strength and is a positive move towards full recovery.
Connect With Our Addiction Rehab
Recognizing a gaming addiction is an important first step in the recovery process, but finding the right help can be difficult. This type of addiction needs special care to effectively deal with its complicated aspects. As we learn more about game addiction, more resources are becoming available for those in need.
Remember that by asking for help, you not only take back control of your life but also inspire others to do the same. Contact our treatment centre today, and let’s begin a journey toward reclaiming your mental wellness.